There’s a curious digital “coffee-cup” icon in the SLK 55 AMG’s driver computer display. Part of a Mercedes safety system called ‘Attention Assist’, it lights up if the car thinks you’re getting tired. In the back-for-2012 SLK 55 AMG, that’s unlikely—since it’s stimulating as all heck before you even start driving.

That’s because at its core, the SLK55 AMG is an overkill fantasy plaything drooled over by anyone that’s ever loved gas-burning things on four wheels: a small, nimble roadster with a great big V8 shoved under the hood. Associated visuals, including quad-pipe exhaust, lips, sills and big wheels all dial up stimulation, too.

Even on public roads, you can feel this AMG’s track-bred capability through all of the controls.

Sporty steering inputs are transmitted directly and quickly to the road ‘right now’. A swift twist of the wheel makes the SLK turn in suddenly, locking onto its line a half-moment later as if it’s hit a wall.

But it isn’t nervous on the highway. It feels excited and alert, but not over-caffeinated. A nice balance.

Brakes are similarly set up. Without going for all-out precision, they inspire confidence by clamping down with alarming force at any touch. Jam on the left pedal, and you feel like you’d go through the seatbelt if it were any thinner.

Jam the right pedal, and the 5.5 litre V8 snaps into action with a deep, snorty growl that escalates to a meaty, high-revving roar towards redline. Passing, the SLK will get by other motorists almost as quickly as you can roll its accelerator to the floor.

Approaching 7,000 revs, drivers can call for an upshift with a click on the right-hand paddle-shifter. The ‘SpeedShift’ gearbox swaps ratios fairly quickly and precisely, with perfect rev-matching in both directions.

Of course, you can also leave the gearbox in ‘DRIVE’, sit back and enjoy the cruise. Ride quality is decent, wind noise and buffeting are well managed, and there’s plenty of space for two average sized adults on board. Plentiful at-hand storage, too.

The Magic SkyControl roof is a must-have option-- changing from clear to darkly tinted blue at the touch of a button. This keeps unwanted rays out of the cabin when desired, and your passengers will want to see it again and again.

The SLK 55 AMG isn’t a hardcore, stripped-down racecar of a thing. It’s easygoing, comfortable and laid back as needed. Think of it as a rocket-propelled two-seater that’s nicely set up for daily use. And lengthy trips. And weekend racing. And bragging rights. And blasting sixties V8 sound effects off of tunnel walls.

Japanhas nothing comparable. Neither does BMW, since their Z4 tops out with just north of 300 horsepower. The Audi TTS Roadster has even less. And a 400-plus horsepower Porsche requires parting with $30,000 more than the SLK 55 AMG’s $80,000 sticker.

Translation? This AMG-tweaked SLK is the ‘Alpha Roadster’ in the sub-100,000 German drop-top scene.